Foreign ministers from the world’s leading Western democracies are gathering in Canada on Thursday for a crucial two-day meeting, amid escalating tensions between U.S. allies and President Donald Trump over his disruptive foreign policy moves on Ukraine and global trade.

The Group of Seven (G7) ministers—representing Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, along with the European Union—are convening in the remote town of La Malbaie, Quebec. Traditionally, these meetings have been characterized by broad consensus, but this year’s summit is proving to be more contentious.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi arrives to the Manoir Richelieu before the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Mathieu Belanger

Ukraine and U.S. Policy Shifts at the Forefront

One of the main priorities for Washington’s allies is to receive a debriefing from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding his recent talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ukraine has expressed willingness to support a 30-day ceasefire deal, and the G7 ministers will be eager to gauge the U.S. stance on the ongoing war.

However, diplomatic sources indicate that crafting a unified final statement for the summit has been difficult. The U.S. has sought to impose strict limits on language regarding Ukraine, opposing a separate declaration aimed at restricting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—a clandestine shipping network designed to evade Western sanctions. At the same time, Washington has pushed for stronger language on China, further complicating negotiations.

Rubio, addressing reporters on Wednesday, emphasized that the U.S. does not want any language that could hinder efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table. He argued that Washington has taken steps to advance the peace process.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio disembarks from a military airplane upon arrival at Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport as he travels to a G7 Foreign Ministers meeting to discuss moves to halt the Russia-Ukraine war, in Quebec, Canada, March 12, 2025. SAUL LOEB/Pool via REUTERS

Trade War and Tariff Disputes

Adding to the friction, the U.S. recently announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, triggering swift retaliatory measures from Canada and the EU. Even Japan, a key U.S. ally heavily reliant on American security guarantees, has been caught in Trump’s crosshairs.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has vowed to take an aggressive stance during the G7 summit, particularly regarding tariffs. “In every single meeting, I will raise the issue of tariffs to coordinate a response with the Europeans and to put pressure on the Americans,” she stated on Wednesday.

Tensions Over U.S.-Canada Relations

Nowhere are tensions more pronounced than between the U.S. and Canada. Trump’s repeated threats to impose tariffs on all Canadian imports, along with his provocative remarks about annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state, have strained diplomatic ties to an unprecedented level.

“We’re going to be focused in the G7 on all of those things. That’s what the meeting is about. It is not a meeting about how we’re going to take over Canada,” Rubio said, in an apparent attempt to downplay concerns.